A Horizontal Federalism Solution to the Management of Interstate Aquifers: Considering an Interstate Compact for the High Plains Aquifer

In this Note, Mann discusses the problems with the current management of the High Plains Aquifer—the largest mainland aquifer in the United States.

In order to avoid depletion of the aquifer, he suggests a change in the governance scheme.  Beginning with the assumption that the best management scheme is one that promotes goals of equitable and sustainable use, Mann argues that the best governance system is an interstate compact built on the principles of horizontal federalism.